Khon Kaen University (KKU) Faculty of Technology, in partnership with Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), organised an international academic conference to bolster research in food and agriculture, aiming for global-level value enhancement.

        On 15 January 2026, between 08:30 hrs and 16:30 hrs, the Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, led by Assistant Professor Araya Chaoruangrit, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Technology, together with Associate Professor Chantima Phoongarmnoen, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Strategy and Corporate Communications, Associate Professor Wimontip Singthuan, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Education, Digital and Student Affairs, Assistant Professor Pimnipa Hiranras, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Food Technology, and faculty members and staff, collaborated with Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) to host the international academic mini-symposium: “International Mini-Symposium: High Value Creation of Foods and Agricultural Produces.” This event was conducted under the framework of the Reinventing University Project for the 2025 fiscal year at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel, Khon Kaen Province.

          Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation at Khon Kaen University, presided over the opening ceremony.

          The organisation of this symposium was a successful collaboration with Mae Fah Luang University, led by Professor Saroj Rodkhum, Ph.D., Head of the MFU-Reinventing University 2025 Project, under the School of Agricultural Industry. The primary objective was to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences regarding value creation in food and agricultural products, as well as to strengthen international academic cooperation networks.

           The opening ceremony was honoured by the presence of Professor Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation, Khon Kaen University, who officiated the event. Senior executives and representatives from both institutions were in attendance, reflecting the importance placed on integrating cooperative research and innovation between higher education institutions.

            The symposium featured four distinguished international speakers, researchers, and specialised experts who presented their academic work and exchanged perspectives on research topics:

• Dr. Jaspreet Singh (Massey University, New Zealand) speaking on “From Plants to Plates: Development of Low Glycemic and High Protein Foods.”
• Professor Lovedeep Kaur (Massey University, New Zealand) speaking on “Innovation Technologies for Development of Plant-Based and Hybrid Foods.”
• Dr. Shusong Wu (Hunan Agricultural University, China) speaking on “Modulation of Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation by Polyphenols and their Metabolism.”
• Professor Jia Qiang Huang (China Agricultural University, China) speaking on “SELENOI Functions as Key Modulator of the Ferroptosis Pathway in Gut Diseases.”

           Furthermore, the KKU Faculty of Technology provided an opportunity for students interested in research to develop their potential and present their work on an international academic platform. Seven students presented their research, including Krittika Chunwijitra, Lyket Chuon, Nguyen Hai Linh, Muhamad Khairi Mafudz, Farida Chengsa-ard, Adiba Tsalsabilla, and Minkawat Thanopajai. This constituted a significant experience in enhancing their research skills and communicating their findings to the global academic community.

            The symposium saw over 60 participants attend to listen and exchange knowledge on adding value to food and agricultural products. This highlighted the strong collaboration among academics from various institutions and countries, which aligns with the spirit of the Reinventing University 2025 Project to elevate Thai university research and innovation to sustainable and efficient international standards.